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There will be a reception honoring the local botanist Dr. Darryl Searcy at 3 p.m. on March 21 at St. Maurice Catholic Church, Parish Hall. Meadorwood Garden Club and Garden Club of Brewton are hosting the reception.

Searcy worked for Brewton’s Tree and Beautification Board, helped establish Jennings nature park, was the grounds consultant for D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital and helped with many other projects for Brewton.

Barbara Commander a member of Meadorwood Garden Club and friend of Searcy for 25 years pioneered the project.

“I wanted to do this because Daryl has done so much in our community and throughout the lands,” Commander said. “I know he has been acknowledged, but he has not been told how much we appreciate him before.”

The City of Brewton will be planting a maple tree with a plaque on it in Jennings Park to honor Searcy. Maple trees are Searcy’s favorite. Commander said the plaque is an important part because she wants future Brewtonians to remember Searcy.

“This is a time that we need to honor this man who has done so much work in Brewton and hasn’t asked for much in return,” member of both gardening clubs Mary Shirley said. “He loves our area and our whole town.”

At the reception, Mayor Yank Lovelace will be the keynote speaker, and Searcy will speak as well. The event will have refreshments.